FAQ – Find out if Smart Coop is for you
Requirements
Residence Permit & Work Visa
Yes → Then Smart is exactly the right place for you.
If you occasionally work from abroad, Smart can delegate you as part of your employment to work abroad with A1 certificate.
Yes → Then you can be employed by Smart without any issues.
If your visa allows employment, Smart looks forward to working with you.
If you are currently only permitted to work as a freelancer, the immigration authority must extend your visa to include permission for employment.
You can work with us – depending on the permitted scope of working hours, as described in your visa (e.g., unlimited during semester breaks or up to 19 hours per week). We will gladly review your individual situation together.
Collaboration with us is possible.
However, you must already have contracts and clients of sufficient volume.
We are happy to discuss your specific situation and needs.
Type of Contracts & Clients
To work with Smart, you must already have your clients and contracts.
Smart can process non-regulated freelance and commercial services.
Not possible: Professions requiring membership in a professional chamber (e.g., crafts, architecture) and medical services (e.g., psychotherapy).
Many members work in fields such as:
- Business consulting
- IT support & software development
- Education
- Social media & content management
- Creative professions
- Yoga
Your profession isn’t on the list? No worries – just ask us.
If you can decide for yourself how, where, and when you work and you are not integrated into the client’s internal structures, Smart can process your contracts.
Smart can issue invoices worldwide.
- Depending on the service: 19% or 7% VAT
- Educational services will be invoiced via Smart Bildungswerk VAT-exempt (if requirements are met).
- Within the EU with a valid Int. VAT Id: Reverse Charge (no VAT)
- Within the EU without a valid Int. VAT Id: Smart issues an invoice with 19% or 7% VAT
- Outside the EU: invoices generally without VAT
Generally invoiced with 19% or 7% VAT
Educational services can be invoiced exempt from VAT (if requirements are met)
Working from Germany for private clients abroad → Smart can process the invoices.
Working from abroad for private clients abroad → Smart will review on a case-by-case basis whether invoice processing is possible.
What happens next?
Feel free to join a free online info session.
This will help you find out whether Smart can meaningfully improve your professional situation.